Encore packs a punch with new production facility

North East-based Encore is packing a punch after relocating its packaging division to a new 73,000 sq. ft. site in Peterlee creating up to 25 new jobs.

The unveiling of Encore Packaging Solutions’ new £1.8 million production facility located on Peterlee Business Park marks the next stage of growth for the company which over the next two years aims to triple the size of its workforce.

As part of a significant investment strategy outlined by the company in 2014, Encore Packaging Solutions has also invested in excess of £2million in state-of-the–art equipment and machinery including a Litho printing press to enhance its production capabilities.

Mike Williamson, financial director of Encore Packaging Solutions, said: “With demand increasing for our products, the relocation to our new site in Peterlee from our existing Washington premises will offer us the additional space we need now, while also providing room for further expansion as we secure new contracts.

“In addition to increasing our production space, we are also looking forward to growing our team which will take us from 12 employees to 37 over the next two years.

“The investment in the business allows us to not only maintain our position as a market leader, but also progress into new markets. Not many businesses in our sector are making these investments so it shows our strength as a manufacturer and as a North East business, and also our faith in the UK’s growing economy.”

With its sister company Encore Envelopes remaining at its native Washington site on Hertburn Industrial Estate, the location and close proximity of Peterlee Business Park to the A19 played a critical role in the decision for Encore Packaging Solutions to choose the site for its new production facility.

Mike added: “As our packaging division continues to grow from strength to strength it was imperative that we found a site that would not only provide us with the right amount of space to allow for future growth, but one with good transport links and within easy reach of our existing site in Washington, home of Encore Envelopes, and Peterlee Business Park met all of these requirements.”

Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, supported Encore Packaging Solutions in its move to Peterlee, including helping it liaise with planners and supporting it through the purchase of the building. It will offer further help as it begins its recruitment drive.

Peter Rippingale, inward investment manager of Business Durham, added: “Encore Packaging Solutions is just the sort of value added manufacturing business that we’re delighted to see in County Durham. Not only is the company successful in a concentrated market, its superb operations means it has fast turnaround times for customers and the quality of its print is market leading in the technology it chooses.

“It’s picked a great location in County Durham to expand and create new jobs and we look forward to continuing with our support as Encore grows ever more successful.”

James Bradley, solicitor at Langleys Solicitors, which advised Encore on the transaction, added: “Encore is renowned for high quality manufacturing and customer service and these new premises will help it to grow an already impressive client base. We will watch with interest as they rollout their expansion plans in the North East.”

Encore’s new premises located at Davy Drive were previously owned by the German flooring company BHK, which will use the proceeds of the sale to reinvest into new machinery and look forward to a sustainable future.

Nick Atkinson, director at HTA Real Estate, who managed the deal on behalf of BHK, said: “Davy Drive is a fantastic location and this deal shows the continued demand for large industrial buildings. Unfortunately there are very few currently available anywhere in the North East.”

Stephanie Campbell, relationship director at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to support Encore Packaging Solutions with this multi-million pound investment.

“As a bank we are keen to support high growth businesses and help them take the next step and not only will this move help the business expand, it will create new employment opportunities in the area. We wish Mike and his team every success going forward.”

Encore Packaging Solutions manufactures everything from corrugated outer packaging to printed folding cartons at its new 73,000 sq. ft. factory, offering customers a bespoke production service to deliver quality from the initial enquiry to finished product.

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